Most people have different foods or substances that they are allergic to. Some people may also have allergies that they may not be aware of. Allergies are a constant nuisance, especially to substances that are almost everywhere. Allergy testing can thus help determine these allergies and find ways to deal with them. For allergy testing in Bridgewater, read on to discover the different types of allergies and their possible solutions.
What are Allergies?
Allergies happen when your immune system produces a reaction to foreign substances like pet dander, pollen, or a food type that is not reactive to most people.
During allergies, your immune system produces antibodies that view a specific allergen as potentially harmful even when not. This results in your immune system causing a reaction that may include inflammation of the airways, sinuses, skin, or digestive system.
Every person has a different extent of allergy reactions that vary from minor irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Treatments aim to relieve the allergy symptoms, as most allergies cannot be cured.
Symptoms of Allergies
The substance determines the allergic symptom and affects the digestive system, sinuses, airways, skin, and nasal passages. The severity of the allergic reactions varies, with the most extreme being life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Allergic Rhinitis, also called hay fever, is characterized by:
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Sneezing
- Red, watery eyes that may be swollen
- Itching of the eyes, nose, or roof of your mouth
A food allergy may cause:
- Hives
- Tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of face, tongues, lips, or throat
- Anaphylaxis
A drug allergy can cause:
- Rash
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Facial swelling
- Itchy skin
- Anaphylaxis
An insect sting allergy may cause:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or coughing
- Swelling at the sting area
- Hives or itching all around the body
- Anaphylaxis
Eczema, which is an allergic skin condition also called atopic dermatitis, causes the skin to:
- Redden
- Itch
- Peel or flake
Causes of Allergies
Allergies begin when your body’s immune system confuses a typically harmless substance with a dangerous one. It reacts by producing antibodies that remain alert to the substance. When you contact the allergen, the antibodies release chemicals like histamine that cause allergic symptoms. Common allergic triggers may include:
- Insect stings
- Certain foods
- Airborne allergens
- Medications
- Substances like latex due to touch
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is usually conducted through physical exams, skin tests, or blood tests.
Common types of treatments include:
- Medications to ease symptoms and reduce the immune system’s reaction
- Allergen avoidance
- Immunotherapy involving purified allergen extract injections
- Emergency epinephrine for emergencies to reduce symptoms till treatment
You should probably get checked out if you have a family history of getting allergic reactions. It is advisable that if you suspect to be allergic to certain substances, visit a medical practitioner to conduct the necessary tests. Visit our website or call our offices in Bridgewater, NJ, to book an appointment and get yourself checked out.
